Remove Password from PDF
Removing a password from a PDF requires that you know the current password. There is no legitimate way to remove a password you do not have, and password removal tools that claim otherwise are either scams or tools for cracking weak passwords. If you have the password, removing it is straightforward using free tools on every platform.
You must know the password first
Every method on this page requires you to enter the existing password before removing it. This is by design. The encryption protects the document, and the only way to prove you are authorized to remove that protection is to supply the correct password. If you have lost the password to a document, contact whoever created it.
Removing a password on Mac
Open the PDF in Preview, entering the password when prompted. Go to File > Export as PDF. Leave the password field blank this time and save. The new file is a copy of the document without password protection.
Removing a password on Windows
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat (if you have it), enter the password, go to File > Properties > Security, change the security method to No Security, and save. Alternatively, use PDF24 Desktop: open the file with the password, go to Protect PDF, clear the password field, and save.
Removing a password in Chrome
Open Chrome, drag the PDF onto a new tab or use File > Open to load it. Chrome will prompt for the password. Enter it and view the document. Then use Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) to open the print dialog, and choose 'Save as PDF' as the destination. The saved copy will not have a password.
Specific Guides
How to Remove a Password from a PDF
Step-by-step instructions for removing a password from a PDF using free tools on Mac, Windows, and in the browser.
Read guide →Remove PDF Password Using Chrome
Use Chrome's built-in print-to-PDF feature to save an unprotected copy of a password-protected PDF.
Read guide →Remove PDF Password Using PDF24
Use PDF24 to unlock a password-protected PDF for free in the browser or desktop app.
Read guide →Remove PDF Password Using Smallpdf
Unlock a password-protected PDF using Smallpdf's free browser-based Unlock PDF tool.
Read guide →Remove PDF Password on Mac Using Preview
Use the built-in Mac Preview app to remove a password from a PDF without any additional software.
Read guide →Remove PDF Password Without Adobe Acrobat
Free methods to unlock a password-protected PDF without needing Adobe Acrobat.
Read guide →Remove PDF Password for Free
Free tools and methods for removing a password from a PDF on any platform.
Read guide →Remove PDF Password When You Know the Password
How to remove a PDF open password or permissions password when you already have the correct password.
Read guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a PDF password I have forgotten?
Not through standard means. If you genuinely cannot recall the password, contact the document creator. Password recovery tools exist for weak passwords, but they are not reliable for strong AES-256 passwords.
Does removing the password change the document content?
No. Removing the password creates an unencrypted copy of the same document. The content is identical.
Can I remove just the permissions password and keep the open password?
Yes. In Adobe Acrobat, go to File > Properties > Security and modify only the permissions settings. You can clear the permissions password while keeping the open password.
Is it legal to remove a password from a PDF?
Removing a password from a document you own or have authorization to modify is fine. Removing a password from a document someone else protected to restrict your access is a different matter and may violate the terms under which you received the document.
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